The Therapeutic Intervention Approach:

As previously noted, the residential center shall not be based on old time degrading Gestalt approach to intervention. I have always maintained that tearing down the individual only to rebuild his or hers sense of being is inadequate, unethical and old school philosophy that has come and gone. It is harmful and often leads to deeper psychological maladjustment. The program shall be based on a strong DBT approach to intervention and will allow for Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral intervention, Adlerian approach, Existential therapy, Person-centered and Reality modalities and components of the Family Systems Model. Each of these brings a positive and direct Therapeutic confronting approach to intervention. Used effectively within the DBT curriculum, residents shall gain significant insight to poor cognitive reasoning’s and acting out behavior. In return, they shall learn effective and meaningful ways in which to be proactive in decision-making and learn to live in harmony with self and others. Residents will learn skills that will change the very behaviors that lead them to be placed by parents into a treatment environment. Family dynamics will be more productive and will regain a positive interaction.

With resident-students presenting with RAD, In part Journey’s Quest uses a blend of the “Circle of Security,” and “Relationship Based Therapy” adapted for the adolescent.  In addition, Journey’s Quest provides a structured, nurturing and safe environment for the adolescent to thrive. This includes active involvement of parents in on-campus, web cam or phone correlated sessions.

With resident-students presenting with Aspergers, Journey’s Quest uses a combination of Individual psychotherapy to help the individual to process the feelings aroused by being socially inept and includes a model that utilizes parent education and training, behavioral modification, social skills training, and educational interventions. In addition we use “body ecology” a specific diet program and brain retrain or repair intervention.

With resident-students who present with ODD, Journey’s Quest uses a combination of intervention techniques. The foundation of intervention is based on “How to Handle your Difficult Defiant Teen” and involves additional strategies develop for the Oppositional Child, including parent on-campus workshops, web-cam sessions and phone interventions.